10 Days - Special Seniors’ Safari

Arrival:

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• Complimentary pick-up from Airport/hotel
• Accommodation before or after the trip can be arranged at an extra cost

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

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Our Uganda tour begins in Entebbe, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. If time permits, you may opt to visit the famous Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Established in 1902, the gardens boast a fine collection of plants spanning the country’s tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate zones. The gardens are also home to a diverse range of avian species, offering an excellent introduction to Uganda’s diverse birdlife. Vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys are commonly spotted here as well. Later, we will head to a luxurious hotel in Entebbe for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Protea Hotel
Midrange: Lake Victoria Hotel
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

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Early in the morning, meet and greet with our Ganyana driver/guide and begin your journey to the verdant highlands, where fertile volcanic soil supports a tapestry of tea, coffee, and banana plantations. Arrive at our hilltop lodge in time for a late lunch and settle in before the sun dips behind the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange: Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3: Bigodi Swamp Walk & Chimpanzee Tracking

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This morning, a “swamp walk” through a wetland sanctuary reveals more than 100 bird species. After lunch, we meet our local trackers and begin our first chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest National Park. This equatorial rainforest reserve has one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, including 1,300 chimpanzees. We may also see red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red tail, gray-cheeked mangabey, and other monkeys.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange: Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4: Second Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

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Our final morning in Kibale National Park offers a second chimpanzee viewing opportunity at a different time of day, in hopes of catching these primates engaged in their morning routine. We spend another full hour in their presence before hiking back to the ranger station. After lunch at the lodge, we will embark on a walk around one of the nearby crater lakes.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange: Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Cruise on Kazinga Channel

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An early start launches an activity-filled day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, located along the western Rift Valley. The park is a microcosm of East Africa’s safari highlights, home to a great diversity of wildlife residing among its volcanic craters, grassy plains, and tropical forest. More than 600 bird species, one of the highest concentrations of any park in Africa, and nearly 100 different mammal species are found in the park, including the Ugandan kob, an endemic antelope featured on the country’s currency. On a morning game drive, search for classic African wildlife, possibly spotting lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and antelope in the park’s northern sector. We then cruise the Kazinga Channel on a private boat trip among one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa. The waterway is also home to an abundance of colorful birdlife, and baboons frequently entertain us from the banks.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mazike Valley Lodge
Midrange: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6: Full day Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park

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The Rwenzori range, also called the “Mountains of the Moon,” provides a dramatic backdrop, with snow-capped heights rising above 16,000 feet. Glimpse magnificent views over Lake Edward before transferring via a wildlife drive into the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Park. As we explore this region, look for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions, one of just two populations of lions that climb trees as part of their regular behavior. Though no one knows for sure, some speculate that these lions seek respite from the heat by availing themselves of cool breezes blowing through the branches on high.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Mazike Valley Lodge
Midrange: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth Park—Ishasha Sector / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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From Ishasha, head westward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, watching the scenery gradually change from open savanna to mountain slopes covered in dense green rainforest. Upon arrival in Bwindi, check in at your luxury mountainside lodge, our Gorilla trekking base.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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After an early breakfast, we will embark on gorilla tracking at 8:00 a.m. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes and carry a rain jacket and a flask of water. Tracking can be tough, and we trust you are in reasonably fit condition. You will carry a picnic lunch into the forest with you. You will be thrilled to have seen these rare primates (no guarantee), and the return journey will be easier. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 9: Batwa Cultural Walk and Relaxation at the Lodge

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This morning after breakfast, you will hike in the forest with the people of the forest with the help of a Batwa guide. He will provide you with the chance to see the forest and its habitats through their eyes. See how the Batwa lived and hunted in the traditional manner. Enjoy trying out your hunting techniques as the Batwa teach you how to shoot with a bow and arrow. Visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn from the women how to prepare, cook, and serve a meal. You will also have the opportunity to sample the prepared dishes. Talk to a medicine man and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora. Hear ancient legends and traditional songs.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 10: Entebbe / Depart

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Our Uganda safari comes to a close today with a flight back to Entebbe. A day room is provided on arrival, to relax and refresh for those preparing to depart. We share a farewell meal before transferring to the airport for departing flights.